Defending champion Johanna Konta continued her title defence with an emphatic 6-2, 6-1, win over Elise Mertens at the Miami Open.
Despite going into the match winning almost half of what her opponent has on the tour so far this season (7-12), Konta proved to be the dominant force throughout the 65-minute encounter. Hitting 23 winners to 17 unforced errors and winning 74% of the points behind her first serve. A stark contrast to Mertens’ 26 errors to just 11 winners. Since reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open, 22-year-old Mertens hasn’t been able to win back-to-back matches on the tour.
“I think Elise is a really good player. She has obviously played some really good tennis, especially at the beginning of the year in Australia.” Said Konta.
“I knew going in to it that I needed to try and not give her the opportunity to do what she does well.
“I really just tried to take my game to her and I managed to do that for big pockets of time. I’m happy I executed it well.”
The one-sided encounter saw the British No.1 get tested only at the start of the match. After breaking in the third game, she then dropped serve to allow the Belgian to draw level. From that moment on, it was one way traffic for Konta as Mentens struggled with her serve. Producing six double faults along with 16 unforced errors in the opening set alone. Enabling the world No.14 to close it out after just 35 minutes.
It was a case of deja vu in the second set as the reigning champion continued to be the aggressor on the court. Bullying her error-stricken rival around and court and capitalising on her mistakes. The outcome saw her claim five straight games to lead 6-2, 5-1. Cruising towards the finish line. Konta secured her place in the last 16 on her second match point opportunity after a Mertens forehand drifted beyond the baseline.
Returning to the premier court of the tournament for the first time since winning the title, the 26-year-old admits her love for Miami has blossomed.
“I love playing here. It definitely brings me back so many good memories from last year.” She said.
“I’m just really happy to have earn my way into playing another match.”
In the next round Konta will play either Venus Williams, who she defeated in the semifinals last year, or Kiki Bertens. It is only the third time this year she has managed to win back-to-back matches on the tour after Brisbane and Doha.
Elsewhere, Ash Barty eased her way past Petra Martic despite only getting 35% of her first serves in. The 21st seed surged to a 6-4, 6-3, win. Booking her place in the fourth round of the tournament for the first time in her career.
